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Padres hand out organizational awards

The Padres congratulate third baseman Chase Headley on an outstanding 2012 season

By Corey Brock

SAN DIEGO -- The Padres announced their 2012 organizational awards winners Friday at their 15th annual awards dinner at the San Diego Hall of Champions.

As previously announced, third baseman Chase Headley was named the Most Valuable Player for 2012 by the San Diego chapter of the Baseball Writers' Association of America.

Headley led the National League in RBIs (115), won a Silver Slugger and Gold Glove Award and finished fifth in the MVP voting.

Left-hander Clayton Richard was named the winner of the Clyde McCullough Award for the pitcher of the year. Richard tied his career high with 14 victories and made all 33 of his starts.

Elsewhere Friday, utility man Alexi Amarista was voted by the Madres as the Favorite New Padre. Will Venable was picked as the recipient of the Chairman's Award for his community contributions. Relief pitcher Luke Gregerson won the Darrel Akerfelds Bullpen Award, which was previously known as the Fireman's Award.

The organization also announced its Minor League award winners Friday. Infielder Jedd Gyorko won the Offensive Player of the Year award for the second time in as many years. Outfielder Rico Noel was chosen Defensive Player of the Year for the second consecutive year as well. Noel won Baserunner of the Year as well.

Right-handed pitcher Matt Wisler was named Pitcher of the Year. Scout Willie Bosque won the Denny Galehouse Scout of the Year award. Finally, Nelson Cruz was named Minor League Coach of the Year. Cruz was the pitching coach for Class A Short-Season Eugene of the Northwest League.

Proceeds from Friday's event benefit the San Diego Hall of Champions Reviving Baseball in Inner Cities (RBI) program in San Diego.

Corey Brock is a reporter for MLB.com. Keep track of @FollowThePadres on Twitter. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs.